Course Description

This course, part of the edX Professional Certificate program in Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA), offered by ISCEA, aims to equip you with foundational skills necessary for managing the flow of materials and goods throughout the supply chain. Covering essential procurement and logistics aspects, such as sourcing, supplier assessment, contract management, and inventory control, it also delves into technologies involved in logistics management, concluding with best practices in warehousing and distribution. This course is essential for taking the ISCEA Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA) Exam.

What Students Will Learn

• Inventory management techniques critical for supply chain managers.
• The elements and benefits of Material Requirements Planning (MRP).
• Procurement management processes including effective purchasing and sourcing strategies.
• Comprehensive understanding of global logistics and transportation methodologies and risks.
• Best practices in distribution and warehouse operations.

Pre-requisites or Skills Necessary

No enforced prerequisites are required, making this course accessible for beginners. However, a general understanding of business concepts can be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• Essentials of inventory management and its impact on the supply chain.
• Detailed exploration of Procurement processes and Logistics Management.
• Insights into effective sourcing, supplier assessment and supplier collaboration.
• Exploration of contract management and purchase order management.
• Technologies and strategies in Transportation and Warehousing.

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for individuals seeking to start or advance their careers in supply chain management. Professionals in procurement, logistics, inventory management, or related fields will find it particularly beneficial. It's also ideal for those preparing for the ISCEA CSCA certification exam.

Real World Application

Skills acquired from this course can be applied in numerous sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, retail, and any others that require effective supply chain management. Graduates can handle procurement plans, manage logistics operations, optimize inventory control, and ensure efficient distribution strategies, thus, improving cost-efficiency and service delivery in professional settings.

Syllabus

1. Role of Inventory in the Supply Chain
   • Inventory fundamentals: impact, types, uses
   • Inventory management techniques such as cost-benefit analysis, and ABC analysis
   • Calculating right amount of inventory: EOQ, Safety stock
2. Material Requirements Planning (MRP)
   • MRP fundamentals, inputs & outputs
   • Master Production Schedule (MPS) and Bill of Material
3. Sourcing
   • Processes, supplier assessment, and scoring
   • Supply Chain Contracts
4. Purchasing
   • Purchasing fundamentals, technologies like EDI
   • Vendor managed inventory
5. Manufacturing
   • Manufacturing operations, layouts and strategies
   • Manufacturing technologies and applications
6. Transportation
   • Transportation fundamentals and modes
   • Choosing transportation networks, tailoring transportation, risk management
7. Warehousing and Distribution
   • Warehousing activities, layouts, adding value in storage facilities
   • Technology in distribution centers